A Saturday Conversation About Changes in Driver’s Testing [AUDIO]

For Washington State drivers getting their first license in 2013, changes are in store.

Starting Oct. 1, the state's price for a new license will increase from $45 to $80. On top of that, many new Washington drivers will have to pay up to $65 more for the driver's exam.

That's because the state Department of Licensing will begin phasing out driver's

Getting that first Washington state driver's license will cost up to three times more next month.

Starting Oct. 1, the state's price for a new license will increase from $45 to $80. On top of that, many new Washington drivers will have to pay up to $65 more for the driver's exam.

That's because the state Department of Licensing will begin phasing out driver's testing -- both written and on-the-road exams -- from state licensing offices. Instead, the state will contract with private training schools and school districts which will charge their own rates to administer the driver's exams.

The changes are part of legislation passed this year to make the licensing process more convenient.

Yakima's Steve Davis operates a private driving school. Recently on Newstalk KIT, Davis talked about what these changes will mean to his business and student drivers.